Towns to host annual Fourth of July festivities for residents

July Fourth is approaching and area residents are scheduled to have a number of opportunities to celebrate America's independence.

In Evanston, the nonprofit 4th of July Association has a daylong roster that includes a parade, sports, music an fireworks.

Morning activities will start at 9 a.m. with playground sports at Kamen West Park, Baker Park, Evanston Township High School track, Raymond Park, Lincolnwood School, Willard School and Robert Crown Center, according to the association's website.

Roller skating and refreshments will start at 9 a.m. at Fleetwood-Jourdain Center. Tennis will start at 8 a.m. at Ackerman Park, and a Fourth of July Kids Fun Run will start at Ackerman at 12:45 p.m.

Evanston's parade will step off at 2 p.m. on Central Street, and will march from Central Park to Ryan Field at Ashland Avenue, according ot the website.

A concert featuring the Palatine Concert Band will start at 7:30 p.m. at Dawes Park Lagoon, and fireworks will begin at the lakefront at 9:30 p.m., according to the website.

In Lincolnwood, the Lincolnwood Youth Strings Orchestra will give a free patriotic music concert from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Proesel Park Shelter, 6915 Kostner Avenue.

And in Morton Grove, the annual Morton Grove Days festival will run from June 30 to July 4. It will feature a July 4 parade at 2:30 p.m., a carnival, food court and music starting at 5 p.m., and fireworks after dark, according to officials.

Morton Grove Days are at the American Legion Memorial Civic Center, 6140 Dempster Street.